So Long, Off-Season

Tomorrow marks the first day of spring half marathon training for me, which means today is the closing day of my longer than planned off-season. After all of the drama surrounding my fall marathon I was looking forward to taking some time off and enjoy my Thanksgiving break. But then finals rolled around and knocked me on my ass. I can normally handle the stress of finals but with other nuisances added to the mix I came crashing down. I knew I needed to focus on studying and finish writing papers and just couldn't convince myself to get out for a run. I ran here and there when I felt I had enough time to not completely bomb all of my exams but there were more days that I didn't run than days that I did run.

Once finals were over all I wanted to do was nothing. Literally nothing. I wanted to enjoy not having to study for anything or have to wake up early to go to class. Unfortunately running was included in the things I was writing off. After a few days of just relaxing I finally laced up my shoes to go for a run. It was nothing spectacular, in fact it was actually quite terrible. I quickly found out that it is a fair amount colder at home in Pennsylvania than at school in Maryland. My lungs were burning. Since we had such a warm winter last year I had no idea what to wear for running in the 20's. I made the mistake of wearing too many layers and ended up overheating and consequently becoming both dizzy and nauseous.

Perfect running weather but oh so cold!

I have since adapted to running in the cooler temps and have also figured out (for the most part) how to dress appropriately so that I stay warm enough without feeling like a roasted marshmallow. Knowing that training was right around the corner I've been filling my weeks with runs and cross training that I wouldn't normally do. I normally run 3-4 times a week but a couple weeks ago I ran almost every day but only did 2-3 miles. I normally wouldn't be pleased with running such a short distance but at that time I did whatever I wanted so long as I was getting my butt out the door.

After almost two months of doing whatever I pleased with running I am ready to start training again. I am ready to run with a purpose and to chase down my goals. I spent the weekend exploring new trails near my house and spent the every moment being grateful. Running does not always come easy for me. In fact, a lot of the time it is quite hard. But it challenges every aspect of myself and brings out my adventurous side. I made a lot of progress with running in 2012 but I know that I am capable of achieving so much more.

I am enjoying a relaxing evening watching movies and reading with the pup close by. I've enjoyed my time of rest and relaxation after finals and through the holidays but I'm ready to get back to work. I'm ready to see where my legs will take me this year. I am nervous but I am also so excited to chase down this goal.

Sub 2:00 half marathon here I come!

Off Season Running

This morning I went for my first real run post marathon and boy did it hurt. Not even 2 miles in my legs were already tired and reminding me I ran a marathon 2.5 weeks ago. I wasn't expecting to feel this way after taking 2 weeks completely off with the exception of last week's turkey trot. I am glad that I have a good chunk of time to fully recover before I jump back into training.

It was supposed to rain this morning with temps in the upper 30's. I like running in the fall/winter despite icky weather because I get to wear clothes that I haven't worn since last winter. Lame, I know. Anyway, I dressed warm this morning wearing long tights and a short sleeve shirt with a rain jacket overtop. I completed my first cold weather running morning with a fleece headband and gloves.

The only problem was that it ended up not raining until the last 15 minutes of the run. I was cold when I started, quickly warmed up & then got really cold again towards the end. Despite the back & forth weather and how grumpy my legs were it was still such an enjoyable run. I ran without my Garmin and just focused on being in the moment and not worrying about silly numbers.

I think I'm going to take a cue from Jess and skip the watch until training starts up again. I like not having any pressure to run a certain speed or distance. And hopefully when I start training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in April I will feel completely refreshed, rested and ready to train my butt off.